What We Do / How We Help

Water Heater Installation and Repair

If you are looking for an professional plumber in the Cincinnati, Ohio area to repair or replace your water heater, look no further than Geiler Plumbing, Heating and Air. At Geiler we install both tankless and regular tank water heaters-both electric and gas models here in the Cincinnati area. Over the years many new improvements have made water heaters more efficient, and thus less expensive to operate. In addition there are options like tankless water heaters and continuously-recirculating water systems that can further reduce your energy costs and water bills.Call us todayfor more information.

Drain Cleaning

When you have an emergency drain stoppage, Geiler Plumbing, Heating and Air is here for you. Our professional plumbers will use drain cleaning machines or "snakes" to clear all forms of stoppages. We also have camera inspection equipment and a transmitter/receiver locator as well, for finding broken underground or hidden pipes.

Sump Pump Installation and Replacement

A sump pump is a device that pumps water out of a pit placed below the water grade in your Cincinnati home. This pit is located usually at the end point of the french drains installed in or around your home's basement. When it rains or snow starts to melt, water fills the pit and the sump pump turns on and pumps the water out of the pit into a drain pipe connected to your sewer line or simply piped outside away from your home. Because a sump pump is often submerged in water, it should be checked and tested once a year to ensure it still operates. If the sump pump fails it could lead to flooding your basement and to costly damages.

At Geiler Plumbing, Heating and Air we offer sump pump inspection services to make sure your sump pump is in good shape. We also offer sump pump backup pumps as well as battery back up and water powered sump pumps for when the power fails. Call us today for more information.

The Worst Way To Fix A Clogged Drain

The worst way to fix a clogged drain is doing it yourself. Sure, a clogged drain is irritating, but seems like an easy fix. Just pour some drain cleaner down the hole and wait for the magic to happen, right? The problem is that magic will actually not happen, and some very bad things........

Plumbing Services Cincinnati Ohio by The Geiler Company

Few things are more frustrating than leaking pipes, clogged plumbing or broken water heaters. At Geiler Plumbing, Heating and Air, we take care of all your various plumbing and water problems so that your house continues to run smoothly year round. Since 1885, we at Geiler Plumbing, Heating and Air have been serving the Cincinnati, Ohio and surrounding area. Our plumbers repair and replace water heaters, toilets, faucets, disposals, sinks, clear clogged drains and repair all types of leaks and breaks. We provide scheduled and emergency plumbing service and around the clock service, 7 days a week to all parts of the Greater Cincinnati Ohio area. Geiler also offers affordable Plumbing Maintenance Agreements click here for more information.

What Is That Smell?

Why did my water bill increase so much?

If your water bill increased sharply from one month to the next, the reasons can vary from the simple to a bit more complicated. First, do you have any new house guests who are using more water? Did you buy a new or additional water consuming appliance like a.......

The Worst Way To Fix A Clogged Drain

The worst way to fix a clogged drain is doing it yourself. Sure, a clogged drain is irritating, but seems like an easy fix. Just pour some drain cleaner down the hole and wait for the magic to happen, right? The problem is that magic will actually not happen, and some very bad things just might. Like:You fill the air with toxic fumes

Do you remember every chemical that has gone down that clogged drain before you poured that caustic chemical in? Most retail drain cleaners are lye or bleach based. If you have rinsed an ammonia based cleanerdown the drain and then follow it with a drain cleaner that's bleach based, those two chemicals can combine and fill your house with toxic chloramine vapor, basically clorine gas. If you are in unventilated area and inhale some of that, you could have serious medical emergency on your hands. Also, these chemicals are designed to dissolve organic matter to open clogged drains. You don't want that organic matter to be part of your body.

You burn a hole in your pipes

Pipes don't run in straight lines. They all have U shaped bends called drain traps that are designed to keep sewer gas from getting inside your house. If liquid drain cleaner gets into this trap, it will eventually chew a hole in your pipe and you will have a much bigger problem on your hand than a clogged drain. The acid will also eat away at enamel and other finishes in your sinks.

You might be wasting time (and money)

Not all clogs are located within a few feet of the clogged drain that you can see. If a clog is caused by a backup in another pipe down the line or some other cause, you willbe pouring hazardous chemicals down a pipe that won't drain. The acid will just be chewing on your pipes and putting you and your family at risk for exposure to toxic fumes.

So what can you do instead? Nobody wants to call a plumber for a problem that could be an easy fix. If you have a clogged drain, simply try pouring boiling water mixed with dish soap down the drain first. Hot water will dissolve fat and grease, and the detergent will help carry it away. The more standing water you have at the top of the clog, the less effective this fix will be. The hot water has to come in direct contact with the clog to be able to dissolve it.

Still clogged? Bite the bullet andcall a plumber. They can pull your pipes apart or use a snake device to deal with the clog permanently instead of you opening it up just enough to drain water for a week and then seeing the drain clog up again.

Do you think you have a leaking pipe in your home?

Here are a few ways to find a leaking pipe before it becomes a bigger and more expensive problem.

Check your water bill

Did your water bill suddenly shoot up? Is it higher than it was a year ago? The water meter tracks the water that passes through it, whether it ends up in your shower or leaking from a pipe behind a wall.If you are paying for more water than you remember using, it could be a leaking pipe.

A leaking pipe will deposit water where it shouldn't be. As that water stagnates it begins to cause problems. Those include:

Mold or mildew on non-shower walls

Visible mold or mildew in a place where it shouldn't be, like on the opposite wall near a washing machine or other appliance is an indicator of a leaking pipe within the wall.

Stained, warped or sagging floors and ceilings

All of these are indicators that a leaking pipe is already causing structural damage. It must be dealt with immediately to prevent further damage.

Musty smell

If your home still smells musty no matter how often you clean it, that is an indication of a hidden water leak somewhere.

So what do you do next if a higher bill (or your nose) tells you there is a potential problem with a leaking pipe?

Use your water meter

Many water meters come with a leak indicator, which is a separate indicator from the odometer-like reader that tracks overall water use. First, find your water meter. It's going to be between the water main and your home. To use the leak indicator, make sure all water use in your home has stopped, including automatic appliances like water heaters. Make sure nothing is running or filling up. Go back and look at the leak indicator. If it is moving, you have a leak inside your home.

If it's not moving, the next step is to check and see if you have an even bigger leak problem.Find the main water shutoff valve to your home and close it. Now check the leak indicator again. If it's moving, you have an underground leak between the water meter and your home.These types of leaks are serious because they can lose thousands of gallons of water before they are discovered and can be very expensive to fix. Remember, the home owner is responsible for the plumbing between the water meter and the home.

If you are not comfortable with finding and using the water meter to detect a suspected leak,a licensed plumbercan be hired to do the job for you.

Is Your Water Pressure Too Low?

Is your water pressure too low? Here are some ways you can increase the water pressure in your home.

First, you need to find out what you have to work with. Put a water pressure test gauge on an outside spigot and see what the pressure is. They cost about ten dollars if you don't have one. If it's below 40 psi, which is on the low end of standard, then it's time to do some more digging. Standard water pressure is 45 to 55 psi.

Call your water provider and find out what the pressure is supposed to be at the water main tap. If they tell you that it's higher than what you are showing on your test gauge, the problem could be a bad pressure-reducing valve. These valves are located on your water main and can go bad after ten or twenty years. When they do, they result can be either too much water pressure or not enough. The pressure is adjusted with threads at the top of the valve. If adjusting doesn't solve the problem, it's time to replace the valve. It's a job that takes a little plumbing experience to handle, so if you are in doubt,call a licensed plumber.

If the problem persists after you change your pressure-reducing valve, then you either have clogged pipes or a leak. Neither scenario is good. It's time to call a licensed plumber and see what your options are.

If the pressure seems to be good at the meter, but not inside the house, then you are back to eliminating clogged pipes or a leak. If you try to increase your water pressure without taking care of one of these problems hiding in your walls, you will make your situation worse. So again, if you are in doubt, call a licensed plumber. The peace of mind is worth the service call.

If your plumbing system is sound and you are ready to spend up to $1000, you can invest in a pressure booster. These machines have an electric motor and a pressure tank. They can be set to pump out water at 45 to 55 psi. You will need access to your water main to install it. If access to the water main is underground, or otherwise difficult to get to, the cost may not be worth it.

Finally, remember that it is very possible to have water pressure that is too high. Anything over 80 psi will push water through your water heater faster than it can be heated. It will also wear out seals, appliances and faucets that are not designed to handle that level of pressure.

The best thing to do if you think your water pressure is too low is to call a professional to assess your water system. Then you will know exactly what you can do and how much it will cost to get it done.

What Do You Do If Your Water Heater Is Leaking?

The first thing to do is find out where the water is actually coming from. Like many other problems, some are easier, and cheaper, to fix than others.

The first place to startis at the top with the water supply lines.

You may be seeing water on the floor,but that doesn't mean that it came from the bottom of the water heater. Look at where the water lines come into the room and follow them all the way down to the top of the tank. If you find water, try to trace the source.

Flexible water supply tubes have been known to fail long before the water heater itself is ready to retire. If there is insulation, be sure to remove it to see if it is wet underneath. To replace the flex lines turn off the water supply and the water heater itself. If you feel like the job is too big for you, call a licensed plumber.

If you have changed the water supply tubes and you are still seeing leakage, the next items to check are the water heater's nipples where the water is taken in to be heated. Water heater nipples are difficult to remove, but it can be done. Just be careful not to damage the water heater in the process. Again, make sure the water supply is turned off and the water heater is off before beginning the process.

The next item to check is theTemperature and Pressure(T&P) Valve. This valve is designed to relieve, you guessed it, temperature and pressure inside the water heater. If the T&P valve is leaking, this could indicate that the water pressure is too high or the heating element of the water heater is not regulating properly. The valves are relatively inexpensive,so replacing one as an experiment is worth a try. If the replacement valve still leaks, that is the sign of a bigger problem. Time to call a licensed plumber.

There is adrain valveat the bottom of the water heater than can also be leaking. Look closely to see if you see water coming from it. If so, change the valve and see if that solves the problem. The water heater will have to be drained and the water supply turned off before you begin.

Finally, look at the tank itself. If the leaks are coming from there, it's time for a new water heater. The average cost for a new water heater, including installation, is about $800.

There is also the option ofcalling a professional for an inspection and estimate. Knowing exactly what the problem is and how much it will cost to fix it is usually worth the cost of the service call.

6 Ways To Keep Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest cold weather frustrations. When you go to turn on the water and you get silence instead of the familiar sound of flowing water, your pipes are frozen and you have a major problem on your hands.

Here are six ways you can keep your pipes from freezing before the next cold snap hits.

Keep the heat on-This one may seem obvious, but many people try to save a few dollars by turningdown the heat in the winter, especially if they are leaving for a few days. Who wants to pay to heat an empty house? You do, if you don't want to come back to frozen pipes.

The amount of money you save by turning down the heat will be more than burned up by the cost of fixing frozen pipes, especially if they have burst. If you absolutely must turn down the heat, you can compromise by keeping the heat set to at least 50 degrees. Depending on the level of insulation and other factors in the home, this may be enough to keep the pipes from freezing.

Let the faucet drip-Pipes burst because of the water pressure and the ice forming and expanding inside the pipe as it is freezing. Letting the faucet drip keeps the water moving in the pipe, making it less likely to freeze. It also reduces the pressure in the system, which might help prevent a frozen pipe from bursting. Yes, you will spend a little money on water that is literally going down the drain, but it's a very small cost compared to your pipes freezing.

Open interior doors-Don't shut off the heat to individual rooms in your house,

because plumbing goeseverywhere. You never know when you are opening up a section of pipes to freezing by shutting interior doors. Also, open cabinet doors in bathrooms, kitchens and anywhere else you have plumbing. A little bit of heat in the right place could make a big difference.

There are also somelonger term solutionsthat you can put into place to keep your pipes from freezing.

Apply heating tape-Heating tape can be wrapped around exposed pipes to bring warmth directly to the source. You can buy it with an internal thermostat that will sense when heat is needed so it goes on and off automatically. If you prefer a cheaper option, you can simply plug it in and it will stay on all the time. Using tape with constant current requires you to unplug it during warmer months. Either option requires you to check on the heat tape periodically to make sure that there are no electrical issues that could cause a fire.

Seal cracks and holes-Being able to keep cold air out and warm air in can make the difference in whether a pipe freezes or not. Take a few minutes to see if any cold air is getting into your home near the pipes and patch any holes or cracks that you find.

Add extra insulation-Pipes located in basements, attics or other areas with lighter insulation are more vulnerable to freezing. You can insulate the pipes themselves with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves, or insulate the entire space.

Some of these solutions will cost a little money. But the cost to repair a frozen pipe, especially if it has burst, will be much higher. That, plus avoiding the inconvenience and frustration, makes it a good idea to make sure you keep your pipes from freezing.

Why did my water bill increase so much?

If your water bill increased sharply from one month to the next, the reasons can vary from the simple to a bit more complicated. First, do you have any new house guests who are using more water? Did you buy a new or additional water consuming appliance like a dishwasher or washing machine? If the answer is no, and nothing else had changed in your water use habits, then it's time for a little detective work. Here are some possibilities in order of likelihood.

1. A leaky toilet

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, thetoiletis the single biggest sourceof indoor water use, accounting for 26.7% of consumption in an average home. A leaky toilet can run through up to 200 gallons in a day. That's 1400 gallons a week or 6000 gallons in a month. A three person household typically uses about that much, so a leaky toilet can double your water bill. There are a couple of simple ways to check if your toilet is leaking. First, just listen. If you hear a hissing noise, that's the water entering the toilet tank. If it's doing that constantly that means the water is leaving constantly as well, likely through a faulty flapper at the bottom of the tank. Another way to test for a toilet leak is to put food coloring in the tank. If the color makes its way to the bowl, you have a leak. A new flapper is an easy fix for most people, but if it looks like a different problem or it's one that you don't want to mess with, call a professional plumber. The money you spend will be made up in lower water bills.

2. Leaky faucet fixtures

One drip per second is 3000 gallons per year literally down the drain. It's also about an extra 10percent of water use per month for a family of three. Double the drip rate is double the water wasted. These are easy to spot, and now that you know they are costing you more money than you think, sometimes easy to fix. Many faucet fixtures can simply be unscrewed and examined. If you find a bad washer, which is usually the culprit, it can be easily replaced. If you are hesitant about messing with your fixtures, it's time to call a professional. Just like with a leaky toilet, fixing a leaky faucet will pay for itself sooner than you think.

3. Irrigation leaks

Now things start to get more complicated. If you have an irrigation system built into your landscaping, you could have a cracked water line or loose joint. If that's the case, water (and money) are leaking out underground. To check for leaks like these, take a look at your yard. Is there a damp or sunken in patch? Is there a spot where the grass is fuller and greener than the areas around it? If so, you may have an underground leak. In a case like this, it's best to call a professional plumber right away to see what you are dealing with and the best way to fix it.

4. Lateral line leaks

This is another potentially serious issue. A lateral line is a line running from your water main into your home. These pipes can get old, or be affected by tree roots, animal or seismic activity. Whatever the case, it won't take long for a leak like this to get expensive as the water drains into the ground underneath your home. This is another case where the advice of a professional plumber is crucial to finding and fixing the problem. This is an issue that can't be ignored.

If you don't have any of these problems and would like to reduce your water bill, here are some things you should stop doing.

Using top-loading washing machines. Front loading models use up to 200% less water

High Pressure Sewer Jetting Service

Grease, dirt and other debris can accumulate in commercial sewer and drain lines causing blockages over time. Frequently clogged drains and sewer lines may need the help of a qualified Cincinnati plumbing contractor. Geiler's environmentally safe, high pressure sewer jetting service will emulsify grease, remove roots and hardened scale, remove sludge, dirt and debris. By jetting sewer and drain pipes, problematic backups will be washed away, leaving your business with free-flowing pipes once again.

ASSE Cross Connection Control Survey

What To Do When Your Sump Pump Has Stopped Working

It’s a fact.

We get more thunderstorms storms and rainfall in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky these days. What does this mean for homeowners?

More worries about basement flooding.

Each time there’s a heavy rain our office is deluged by calls from customers to report their sump pump has stopped working. After all, nothing’s worse than looking down into a flooded basement and observing your ruined flooring, destroyed furniture, and a big, giant mess. Basement flooding can cost a lot in aggravation, not to mention the money you’ll have to invest in replacement, repair, and remediation.

Luckily, there are a few things that can do to prevent sump pump failure.

What To Do When Your Sump Pump Has Stopped Working

Check the Power Source

Power outages are becoming more frequent and can be one of the most common reasons your sump pump has stopped working. So, before you do anything else, make sure your pump is getting power.

First, check that the cord is connected to the outlet. Next, inspect the fuses or circuits. It’s important to note that even if electricity is still working in your home, electrical problems can cause your pump to fail anyway.

A backup battery sump pump system is the best way to circumvent flooding from power failures. If you already have a backup system installed and your pump is still not getting power, check the backup system’s water level. Add distilled water if needed. If that doesn’t work your batteries may need to be replaced. The average lifespan of batteries is 3-5 years.

Check For Debris In The In The Sump PitClogs and jams are common causes of sump pump failure. Here’s how to check: open the pump lid and inspect the pit for debris. Try to remove as much of it as you can. Don’t be surprised if you uncover some unusual objects. We frequently remove children’s toys, garden tools, barbecue accessories, and various other household objects from the sump pits of our Cincinnati and northern Kentucky customers.

Look For Leaks In The Discharge PipeYou can visually inspect your sump pump discharge pipe for leaks. Look for signs of water outside where the pipe exits your home’s foundation. Leaks in the discharge pipe can be a cause of water backing up into your basement.

Check For A Malfunctioning FloatA worn-out or malfunctioning float is sometimes the reason your sump pump has stopped working. Fill the sump pit with water and that should make the pump start on its own. If it doesn’t start, the float may need to be replaced.

Clear The Weep HoleSome sump pumps have a weep hole that can also become clogged. You can locate the weep hole between the check valve and the pump. Carefully clear the hole with a narrow object such as a toothpick, being careful the entire time not to break anything off into the hole.

Check The ImpellerYour sump pump has a small filter called the impeller. When your pump stops working it’s sometimes because the impeller is clogged. By cleaning or replacing the impeller your pump can start working again.

Before the heavy rain season is upon us you may want to consider a professional sump pump inspection by The Geiler Company. We’ve been serving the Cincinnati and northern Kentucky region for over 130 years and are known for our respectful and highly trained technicians.

Give us a call and we will arrive at your home ready to perform a complete, professional sump pump inspection. We will clear clogs, clean filers, repair pipe leaks and replace any malfunctioning or worn out parts - so you can rest easy even during a torrential rain storm.

Let’s face it, the last thing you’ll want to deal with this spring and summer is basement flooding because your sump pump stops working. Call us at 513-574-0025.

What is That Smell in My Sink?

Those are usually the first words that come to mind when you discover that your sink smells like rotten eggs.

But what do can you do about it?

First of all, you need to define the problem. What you are smelling is very likely to be hydrogen sulfide gas.

The gas is produced by bacteria in the water.

Step one is finding the contamination source.

Take a glass of water from the area you think the smell is coming from and take it outside away from the smell.

Now smell the water.

If it smells, the problem is in the pipes that lead to the water source.

If it doesn't, the problem is likely in the drain.

Continue your detective work with another water sample from a different part of the house.

Does that water smell too?

If it does, the problem is in your water supply. Some wells naturally have water than can smell bad, and the problem can get worse with time. No smell on your second sample? Then you have localized the problem.

But you still have some work to do.

You need to check the hot water, cold water and the drain itself.

Draw both kinds of water and use your nose.

If the smell is coming from your hot water, your hot water heater is likely contaminated with bacteria.

You can try to fix the problem by getting the water in the heater to 160 degrees.

That's hot enough to kill the bacteria, but it's also hot enough to scald your skin.

Also run some of the very hot water through your pipes to kill any bacteria inside them as well.

But be careful.

After about an hour, put the temperature back to 125 degrees or so.

If the smell is in your cold water, bacteria in the pipes is the likely culprit. Time to call a plumber to assess exactly where the problem is and find out your options.

If the smell is in your drain, you can put a couple of teaspoons of baking soda in the drain and chase it with vinegar and then boiling water after a few minutes. The foaming action will eat away at any contamination and the water will wash it away.

Hydrogen Sulfide gas is not the only source of odors for sinks and drains. Other common problems are grease decomposing inside pipes, food particles rotting inside garbage disposals, unused drains where water has evaporated, allowing sewer gas to flow back into the pipes through the trap and unprofessional plumbing work that did not allow for a proper trap.

Some of these are easy fixes and some are not. If you are in doubt, the best thing to do is call a professional plumberbefore you move forward.